AJ Small
@badgercommander.bsky.social
I do some writing for Xbox Tavern, and sometimes for gamecritics. I have a Youtube channel that people still visit to watch the intro for Super Meat boy, and sometimes to watch some out takes from the Obi-Wan game on Xbox
It is January the world is on fire... but I have a game that is most definitely going to be in my top ten this year. Easy GOTY contender
January 21, 2026 at 5:19 PM
It is January the world is on fire... but I have a game that is most definitely going to be in my top ten this year. Easy GOTY contender
BREAKING: Ubisoft is canceling the Prince of Persia: Sands of Time remake and 5 other games (4 unannounced, 1 mobile). The company says it is also delaying 7 games (including an unannounced project believed to be a Black Flag remake) as part of a larger restructuring.
January 21, 2026 at 5:07 PM
Smallbones by name, bigballs by nature
The US granted visas to Jews but only allowed 30,000 in from Germany a year. You had to wait for your number to come up.
Meet Robert Smallbones. An unassuming British diplomat who 'hacked' this system so effectively (saving 48 THOUSAND Jews) the UK government kept his scheme secret for decades /1 🧵
Meet Robert Smallbones. An unassuming British diplomat who 'hacked' this system so effectively (saving 48 THOUSAND Jews) the UK government kept his scheme secret for decades /1 🧵
January 21, 2026 at 3:50 PM
Smallbones by name, bigballs by nature
I wrote a lot about this game, and I think I ultimately liked it, but it is not one that I am going to come back to on the regular
Review: Vambrace: Dungeon Monarch by @badgercommander.bsky.social
"Frustrating, absorbing, annoying, engrossing, very fiddly, but also not as complex as it seems"
@headup.bsky.social
www.xboxtavern.com/vambrace-dun...
"Frustrating, absorbing, annoying, engrossing, very fiddly, but also not as complex as it seems"
@headup.bsky.social
www.xboxtavern.com/vambrace-dun...
Vambrace: Dungeon Monarch Review
AJ joins the No (Dungeon) Kings march. Is disappointed by the small turnout.
www.xboxtavern.com
January 19, 2026 at 4:56 PM
I wrote a lot about this game, and I think I ultimately liked it, but it is not one that I am going to come back to on the regular
Reposted by AJ Small
I can't trust politicians who are anti-trans. Not because I'm "only searching for perfection" which is what centrists will be accusing me of for the rest of my life, it's because if you're not pro-trans you'll be garbage on lots of other issues too. Being anti-trans NEVER exists in a vacuum.
January 17, 2026 at 9:42 AM
I can't trust politicians who are anti-trans. Not because I'm "only searching for perfection" which is what centrists will be accusing me of for the rest of my life, it's because if you're not pro-trans you'll be garbage on lots of other issues too. Being anti-trans NEVER exists in a vacuum.
Reposted by AJ Small
My action skydiving racing FPS Aerial_Knight’s DropShot drops Feb 17 on PS5, Xbox, and PC.
You play as a guy bitten by a radioactive dragon, taking down mercs, dragons, tanks, and cows… all while trying not to mess up your fro.
Give it a Wishlist it means a lot 🙂
youtu.be/Hl0ylC9SYuw?...
You play as a guy bitten by a radioactive dragon, taking down mercs, dragons, tanks, and cows… all while trying not to mess up your fro.
Give it a Wishlist it means a lot 🙂
youtu.be/Hl0ylC9SYuw?...
Aerial_Knight's DropShot - Release Date Announcement Trailer | PS5 Games
YouTube video by PlayStation
youtu.be
January 14, 2026 at 4:08 PM
My action skydiving racing FPS Aerial_Knight’s DropShot drops Feb 17 on PS5, Xbox, and PC.
You play as a guy bitten by a radioactive dragon, taking down mercs, dragons, tanks, and cows… all while trying not to mess up your fro.
Give it a Wishlist it means a lot 🙂
youtu.be/Hl0ylC9SYuw?...
You play as a guy bitten by a radioactive dragon, taking down mercs, dragons, tanks, and cows… all while trying not to mess up your fro.
Give it a Wishlist it means a lot 🙂
youtu.be/Hl0ylC9SYuw?...
Gravy Seals is an amazing put down
January 15, 2026 at 8:16 AM
Gravy Seals is an amazing put down
Reposted by AJ Small
I took a bit of time and put together a compact summary of the 4.5 years of Sektori (from the devlog gifs you've seen if you've followed me). 3 weeks until release! #indiedev #gamedev
imgur.com/gallery/sekt...
imgur.com/gallery/sekt...
Sektori - the whole 4.5 years of game development in .gifs
Discover topics like ps5, indiedev, indie game, gaming, gamedev, and the magic of the internet at Imgur, a community powered entertainment destination. Lift your spirits with funny jokes, trending mem...
imgur.com
October 29, 2025 at 10:45 AM
I took a bit of time and put together a compact summary of the 4.5 years of Sektori (from the devlog gifs you've seen if you've followed me). 3 weeks until release! #indiedev #gamedev
imgur.com/gallery/sekt...
imgur.com/gallery/sekt...
Reposted by AJ Small
I am once again reminding you all that the UK government introduced an Online Safety Act that is effectively a porn ban on most adult porn websites, but is dithering over banning a website that is actually creating child porn.
January 13, 2026 at 11:03 AM
I am once again reminding you all that the UK government introduced an Online Safety Act that is effectively a porn ban on most adult porn websites, but is dithering over banning a website that is actually creating child porn.
I played the shit out of the first game. I don't think it was good
REVIEW: Street Racer Collection by Jamie Collyer
"it’s been good to play these classic racers again. Nostalgia is doing some heavy lifting though"
www.xboxtavern.com/street-racer...
"it’s been good to play these classic racers again. Nostalgia is doing some heavy lifting though"
www.xboxtavern.com/street-racer...
Street Racer Collection Review - Xbox Tavern
Classic racing comes back to show the kids how we used to roll
www.xboxtavern.com
January 13, 2026 at 5:23 PM
I played the shit out of the first game. I don't think it was good
@mattmcmuscles.bsky.social This is a PSA I think you can appreciate
i know it's 90% off but a warning to potential customers not to buy the steam version of heavy rain. it is not safe. it installs heavy rain on your computer
January 13, 2026 at 8:13 AM
@mattmcmuscles.bsky.social This is a PSA I think you can appreciate
So, I wrote another piece. This was a top ten with a few caveats
To compliment his video, @badgercommander.bsky.social details an extended best of 2025 list!
www.xboxtavern.com/ajs-top-ten-...
www.xboxtavern.com/ajs-top-ten-...
AJ’S TOP TEN GAMES OF 2025 - Xbox Tavern
AJ’S TOP TEN GAMES OF 2025
www.xboxtavern.com
January 12, 2026 at 9:58 AM
So, I wrote another piece. This was a top ten with a few caveats
Reposted by AJ Small
A Black man was killed by ICE (off duty) in Los Angeles on New Year’s Eve. And like Renée Good, he was an American citizen. But most people have not heard about Keith Porter.
I need y’all to realize this. Black people experience this lack of visibility all the time when it comes to being victims.
I need y’all to realize this. Black people experience this lack of visibility all the time when it comes to being victims.
January 10, 2026 at 3:24 PM
A Black man was killed by ICE (off duty) in Los Angeles on New Year’s Eve. And like Renée Good, he was an American citizen. But most people have not heard about Keith Porter.
I need y’all to realize this. Black people experience this lack of visibility all the time when it comes to being victims.
I need y’all to realize this. Black people experience this lack of visibility all the time when it comes to being victims.
THEN: Jusant
NOW: Tough, but Jusant still lingers, I have, however played ALOT of Streetfighter 6 and Exoprimal since then
www.xboxtavern.com/ajs-top-ten-...
I really need to go back Ed0 again loved that janky 3D roguelike
NOW: Tough, but Jusant still lingers, I have, however played ALOT of Streetfighter 6 and Exoprimal since then
www.xboxtavern.com/ajs-top-ten-...
I really need to go back Ed0 again loved that janky 3D roguelike
January 9, 2026 at 11:02 AM
THEN: Jusant
NOW: Tough, but Jusant still lingers, I have, however played ALOT of Streetfighter 6 and Exoprimal since then
www.xboxtavern.com/ajs-top-ten-...
I really need to go back Ed0 again loved that janky 3D roguelike
NOW: Tough, but Jusant still lingers, I have, however played ALOT of Streetfighter 6 and Exoprimal since then
www.xboxtavern.com/ajs-top-ten-...
I really need to go back Ed0 again loved that janky 3D roguelike
Reposted by AJ Small
The first days of protests in Minneapolis in 2020 were peaceful. It was MPD doing this kind of stuff to protesters that ended with them getting their precinct burned to the ground.
👉 ICE Abusing Protesters After Murdering Driver 1/7/26
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lnfi...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lnfi...
January 8, 2026 at 6:35 AM
The first days of protests in Minneapolis in 2020 were peaceful. It was MPD doing this kind of stuff to protesters that ended with them getting their precinct burned to the ground.
Reposted by AJ Small
i can't believe i am wading into the british food discourse, but look: just because these people can't season food to save their lives and don't know any cooking methods besides boiling and roasting does not mean they don't have 10x better groceries vs standard american industrial warehouse food
January 7, 2026 at 8:45 AM
i can't believe i am wading into the british food discourse, but look: just because these people can't season food to save their lives and don't know any cooking methods besides boiling and roasting does not mean they don't have 10x better groceries vs standard american industrial warehouse food
Reposted by AJ Small
‘Just an unbelievable amount of pollution’: how big a threat is AI to the climate?
‘Just an unbelievable amount of pollution’: how big a threat is AI to the climate?
Defenders say AI can do good to fight the climate crisis. But spiralling energy and water costs leave experts worried
www.theguardian.com
January 3, 2026 at 9:43 AM
‘Just an unbelievable amount of pollution’: how big a threat is AI to the climate?
This year was kind of a slow one for me - but the games that did come out were fantastic.
GOTY 2025 begins on Xbox Tavern and Gaming Tavern, kicking off with @badgercommander.bsky.social's choices!
www.xboxtavern.com/game-of-the-...
www.xboxtavern.com/game-of-the-...
Game of the Year 2025 - AJ Small - Xbox Tavern
Game Awards time, and AJ details his top picks for 2025!
www.xboxtavern.com
December 27, 2025 at 12:39 PM
This year was kind of a slow one for me - but the games that did come out were fantastic.
It is really hard to explain this to people - but yeah, I now have friends I made 10 years ago that I would instantly recommend for a job, that I know would do the same for me. Some of them are semi-famous, others are toiling away in obscure but important roles. Don't just kiss the boss's arse
Just gonna say this again for games sphere cus we get the same question:
Networking doesn't mean schmoozing up to famous people, it means making friends with your peers. Then in 10 years, 20, one of you might be famous? And sure you're still helping each other cus well yeah friends.
Make. Friends.
Networking doesn't mean schmoozing up to famous people, it means making friends with your peers. Then in 10 years, 20, one of you might be famous? And sure you're still helping each other cus well yeah friends.
Make. Friends.
Talking to one of these types at a con who asked how I 'got in' with so many 'famous writers' who I'd been talking to and I said "we made friends before anyone knew who we were decades ago by striking up interesting conversations and enjoying each other's company" and he kept re-asking the question.
December 27, 2025 at 12:36 PM
It is really hard to explain this to people - but yeah, I now have friends I made 10 years ago that I would instantly recommend for a job, that I know would do the same for me. Some of them are semi-famous, others are toiling away in obscure but important roles. Don't just kiss the boss's arse
Reposted by AJ Small
Please do not purchase Luck be a Landlord on Xbox. I will be making a $10,000 donation to The Palestine Children's Relief Fund to (hopefully) help offset the revenue the game has generated for Microsoft.
December 18, 2025 at 3:29 PM
Please do not purchase Luck be a Landlord on Xbox. I will be making a $10,000 donation to The Palestine Children's Relief Fund to (hopefully) help offset the revenue the game has generated for Microsoft.
God, I hate Avatar
FFC review: AVATAR: FIRE AND ASH (2025), by Walter Chaw (@mangiotto.bsky.social). filmfreakcentral.net/2025/12/avat...
Avatar: Fire and Ash (2025) - FILM FREAK CENTRAL
ZERO STARS/****starring Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldaña, Sigourney Weaver, Kate Winsletscreenplay by James Cameron & Rick Jaffa & Amanda Silverdirected by James Cameron by Walter Chaw I think, for white ...
filmfreakcentral.net
December 22, 2025 at 9:18 AM
God, I hate Avatar
Super Streetfighter 2
Samurai Shodown 2
King of Fighters
Body Blows
Samurai Shodown 2
King of Fighters
Body Blows
Which four fighting games mattered the most to YOU growing up?
Street Fighter II Turbo Hyper Fighting
Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3
Dragon Ball Z Hyper Dimension
Killer Instinct Gold
Street Fighter II Turbo Hyper Fighting
Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3
Dragon Ball Z Hyper Dimension
Killer Instinct Gold
Which four fighting games mattered the most to YOU growing up?
Mortal Kombat 3
Dragon Ball GT Final Bout
Killer Instinct Gold
Soul Calibur
Mortal Kombat 3
Dragon Ball GT Final Bout
Killer Instinct Gold
Soul Calibur
December 19, 2025 at 11:01 AM
Super Streetfighter 2
Samurai Shodown 2
King of Fighters
Body Blows
Samurai Shodown 2
King of Fighters
Body Blows
Reposted by AJ Small
presented with no comment
The Workers' Choice Award for "Worst Crunch Culture" goes to...
NAUGHTY DOG
NAUGHTY DOG
December 19, 2025 at 3:04 AM
presented with no comment
Me seeing Mario Kart World is in the top 10: That must me Sonic CrossWorlds is in the top 5
Me getting to the end of the list: There is no god or justice
But otherwise a great list! I need to play Despelote
Me getting to the end of the list: There is no god or justice
But otherwise a great list! I need to play Despelote
December 19, 2025 at 10:12 AM
Me seeing Mario Kart World is in the top 10: That must me Sonic CrossWorlds is in the top 5
Me getting to the end of the list: There is no god or justice
But otherwise a great list! I need to play Despelote
Me getting to the end of the list: There is no god or justice
But otherwise a great list! I need to play Despelote
Reposted by AJ Small
Awesome thread. Already have a few of these wishlisted and I wanna shout out 8 more games.
1) UNDEFEATED: Genesis
The modern Superman game I've been waiting for. Played the prototype years ago and have been obsessed ever since.
store.steampowered.com/app/2088020/...
1) UNDEFEATED: Genesis
The modern Superman game I've been waiting for. Played the prototype years ago and have been obsessed ever since.
store.steampowered.com/app/2088020/...
December 16, 2025 at 10:13 AM
Awesome thread. Already have a few of these wishlisted and I wanna shout out 8 more games.
1) UNDEFEATED: Genesis
The modern Superman game I've been waiting for. Played the prototype years ago and have been obsessed ever since.
store.steampowered.com/app/2088020/...
1) UNDEFEATED: Genesis
The modern Superman game I've been waiting for. Played the prototype years ago and have been obsessed ever since.
store.steampowered.com/app/2088020/...